Kazakhstan and South Korea Strengthen Strategic Energy Partnership

A series of high-level working meetings took place at the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan with a delegation from the Republic of Korea, focused on advancing strategic energy cooperation.

During the visit, Kazakh Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenshenov met with senior officials from South Korea. Both sides highlighted the high level of political dialogue between the two nations and reaffirmed their mutual interest in implementing major infrastructure and technological initiatives. Practical aspects of sectoral collaboration were discussed in detail during an expanded meeting with South Korea's new Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jong Kwan. The ministers thoroughly examined vectors for a new phase in developing joint projects within Kazakhstan's fuel and energy complex.

Expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector was a central topic. The Kazakh side noted the long-standing successful experience of the Korean National Oil Corporation (KNOC) in Kazakhstan. The parties aligned their positions on ensuring further stable and mutually beneficial export supplies of Kazakh crude oil to the South Korean market.

The power generation sector emerged as another key area for dialogue, with Doosan Enerbility positioned as a primary technological partner. This investor previously successfully completed construction of the 310 MW "Karabatan" combined-cycle power plant in Atyrau region and is currently acting as general contractor for building a major 1000 MW combined-cycle plant in Turkestan region.

Following the meetings, South Korean technology companies were invited to expand their presence in new infrastructure projects across Kazakhstan not only as EPC contractors but also as full-fledged co-investors.

Representatives from both countries confirmed their firm intention to continue strengthening their strategic energy partnership, which is based on implementing advanced solutions and ensuring sustainable economic development.